Louis van Gaal: This was the best thing from my first season at Manchester United

The Dutch boss endured a nightmare start to life at Old Trafford as United lost their opening game of the season at home to Swansea before being humiliatingly dumped out of the Capital One Cup by League One MK Dons.

Van Gaal feared the fans would react negatively to his uninspiring start in the hot seat but they were vocal in their support and backed the team to the top four.

He said: "I have been asked recently what has been the biggest highlight of my first season as manager of Manchester United and the answer is always the same - the support of the fans.

"For me, it is unbelievable and something I have not experienced at the other clubs I have managed.

“From the very first match... the support has been fantastic”

Louis van Gaal

"From the very first match, which we lost at home against Swansea City, the support has been fantastic.

"I really wasn't looking forward to the reception I thought I was going to receive at the match against Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford after the September international break.

"We'd had a poor run of results, including being knocked out of the Capital One Cup in our first match of the competition but, to my surprise, when I walked down the touchline I could not have imagined the support and belief that the fans were showing me and my players.

"That has continued throughout the season - the supporters have been absolutely first class."